Throughout the novel there are a couple of general life lessons. The most common and easiest to identify is to never go into something difficult, or anything unprepared. Like Christ, he was unprepared for the adventure in Alaska, and as a result, he starved to death. For instance, maybe if he were to bring more food or some better equipment in order to acquire food, maybe he would have lived longer, and possibly made it out alive. Another general life lesson would be to always be open to others advice. At times along his journey, people he meets offer him help, whether its food or equipment, however most of the time he doesn't take it. For example, Ron Franz, during Chris' stay with him, Franz constantly offers him rides, money, clothes, and hunting equipment, but for the most part, Chris declines. Although all of this would have increase Chris' chance to survive, the most valued life lesson that Chris can teach the reader throughout his journey is to do what makes you happy. For example, the conversation with Franz about the fact that Chris believes that in order for Ron to be happy, he must pick up and become nomadic like Chris. This might not be what will make Ron happy, but it makes the reader understand that Chris is doing what makes him happy, whether its safe or not, and that is the biggest lesson of them all.
-Colton Copelin